From August 14 to 19, a 22-member delegation from the Oregon Rhythmic Gymnastics and Dance Academy visited Xizang for an exchange visit. 

Their trip was a vibrant exploration of the region’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Standing before the majestic Potala Palace and the ancient Jokhang Temple, the students marveled at the stunning murals, intricate sculptures, and magnificent architecture that tell stories spanning millennia. 

At the Xizang Yak Museum, they discovered the profound bond between yaks and highland peoples. Rich exhibitions at the Xizang Museum and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum brought the region’s diverse and living culture right before their eyes. 

At Xizang University, they learned about Tibetan classics, tried their hands at Thangka painting and learned traditional Tibetan dances alongside students and faculty from the university. 

At Yamdrok Lake and Lhalu Wetland Park, they were captivated by the stunning colors of the plateau lakes and the serene beauty of the world’s highest-altitude urban natural wetland. Through every step of this journey, the U.S. teens went from simply seeing Xizang to truly experiencing it—and falling in love with it.

Editor：Bella Wu